FLOWERCARE & HANDLINGSteps to long lasting flowers

WHY YOU WANT LONG LASTING FLOWERSto get the longest life possible out of the flowercustomers are pleased when they buy quality flowerspromising the return of future customers

THE CHAIN OF LIFE OF FLOWERS-a long chain of handlers involved in moving the floral product from the greenhouse/field to the design table

BENEFITS OF THE “CHAIN OF LIFE” OF FLOWERS Developed by the society of American

florists. Helps growers, wholesalers, and

retailers lengthen the life of flowers. Provide information on proper care and

handling throughout the marketing chain.

GROWERharvest flowers and ship them to an auction or broker

BROKERreceives large quantities from foreign countries and domestic growers

SHIPPERships by air or truck to wholesalers

WHOLESALERreceives flowers from brokers and growers; conditions flowers and sells to retail florists

RETAILERFlorist-receives flowers from wholesalers and local growers; conditions flowers and sells and delivers flowers to consumers

CUSTOMERreceives flowers as a gift or purchases them for personal enjoyment

DETERIORATION When a flower is removed from its

mother plant its source of nutrients are cut off and deterioration begins.

It is up to the florist to supply the flowers needs.

Even though a flower has been removed from the parent plant, it continues living (photosynthesizing).

With special care, fresh flowers can be enjoyed for a long time.

WHAT CAUSES DETERIORATION IN FLOWERS.

low water absorption most flower stems are at least

partially blocked when they arrive at the retail florist

Bacteria and fungi Senescence: flower death

WHAT CAUSES BLOCKAGE IN FLOWERS? cutting stems with dull tools bacteria and minerals in the

water clog the stem air can enter the stems at the

time of cutting , if not put directly in water

WHAT IS THE NUMBER 1 REASON WHY FLOWERS LOSE WATER? Transpiration

the loss of water vapor by plant parts. Most transpiration occurs through stomata (pores on their leaves)

HOW DO FLOWERS LOSE FOOD? flowers continue to photosynthesize

after they are cut must be given the proper light and a

source of sugar

WHAT IS BOTRYTIS? A fungus which causes brown

spots on petals

WHAT CAUSES BOTRYTIS? do not allow flowers to get wet

before putting them in the cooler allow wet flowers to dry before

putting in the cooler

WHAT IS ETHYLENE GAS?WHAT DOES IT DO TO FLOWERS? About ethylene: colorless, odorless gas

that hastens senescence of flowers. Called the aging hormone, it is often emitted by fruit, foliage, aging flowers, and incomplete combustion of oil and gas in heaters.

Naturally occurring gas (plant hormone) in flowers that speed maturity

SYMPTOMS OF ETHYLENE GAS loss of foliage upward cupping of flowers – known as

sleepiness in carnations premature death flower and petal drop yellowing of foliage

FLOWERS ARE 90% WATER!

WATER QUALITY

Hydration, process where flowers draw water and nutrients up their stems to the leaves and flowers through capillaries

WHAT IS PH? acidity and alkalinity level

(gases) -the acidic level in the water ph refers to the concentration of

hydrogen ions in the solution. -water varies by regions

WHAT THE PH DOES FOR FLOWERS? Ph of 3.2-4.5 maximizes hydration - helps flowers last as long as

possible

SEVEN STEPS IN CONDITIONING FLOWERS: clean buckets and cooler fill buckets with water add preservatives unpack flowers remove lower foliage on stems re-cut stems put directly in water

SANITIZE Clean, disinfect and deodorize work

surfaces, cutting tools and buckets to help maximize flower quality and vase life.

WATER QUALITY Is very important to the proper care and

longevity of fresh flowers and greens. Good quality water is also important in

order for any preservative to work properly

WHY USE PRESERVATIVES Photosynthesis, the process that makes

food and energy for a plant, is interrupted for a flower when it is cut from the plant.

The flower continues to need energy to develop.

Preservatives are the most common method of putting nutrients back into the flower

UNPACK FLOWERS Many flowers can be stored in boxes for

a week, without having the stems re-cut.

Remove from their boxes and process them.

Use a hydrating solution, the solutions will restore water to the flowers very quickly.

REMOVE FOLIAGE Lower foliage should be gently stripped

off. -leaving the foliage on the stems in the

water causes bacteria to grow. Remove thorns on roses, this makes

them look more pleasing.

RE-CUT STEMS Once foliage has been removed re-cut

the stems with a sharp knife or shears at a sharp angle, 45 degree.

Flowers can be cut under watered if the equipment is sanitized frequently.

PUT DIRECTLY IN WATER Once flowers have been cut move them

as quickly as possible to a container filled with preservative solution.

- the less air that is let back into the flower stem will give it the longest life possible.

ROTATE STOCK Keep flowers as fresh as possible by

rotating. First-in, first-out rule: New flowers in

front (showy display) and old flowers in back (use first, to go out the door).

FRESH CUT FLOWER COOLER What degree is the ideal storage

temperature for a fresh cut flower cooler?

36-38 degree Fahrenheit Tropical flowers should be stored @ 55-

60 degrees Ideal humidity for a floral cooler is 80 %

FLORAL PRESERVATIVES Why do we use floral preservative food

for flowers? To prolong the life of the flowers so they

can last as long as possible

FLORAL PRESERVATIVE INGREDIENTS: Ingredients: Sugars Biocides- Bioagent Acidifiers

SUGARS carbohydrates to nourish the flowers food source

BIOCIDES = BLEACH inhibits the growth of microorganisms Kills bacteria and other organisms,

keeping the water in the containers fresher for a longer period of time.

ACIDIFIERS lowers ph levels in the water

DAILY MAINTENANCE Flowers that are stored or displayed

should be checked daily for deterioration.

The cooler where the flowers are stored should be kept clean.

Remove any old stock, aging product produces ethylene and can be damaging to new product.

Floral display should be pleasing to the customers

CUSTOMER CARE Attach care tags to flower

arrangements. Advise customers on how to care for

their flowers and get the longest life out of them as possible.